Sunday, September 12, 2010

One Postgame Take

The exorcism of JaMarcus Russell was supposed to herald a new era on offense. Alas, the new era is on indefinite hold after today's bumbling performance against the Titans.

The numbers just don't reveal how inept our offense looked at times today, particularly in the first half. The pressure on Campbell was hellacious. Does that let our receivers off the hook for their collective invisibility? Thankfully, McFadden and Miller acted as a relief valve that allowed us to occasionally move the ball downfield. Unfortunately, many of our strides were made long after the game was decided, at a point when the Titans looked disinterested.

The overall upside is that McFadden looked sharp, Miller did his part and Campbell used his legs several times to avoid added trouble. I get the feeling this won't be the last time he has to run for his life.

Before this game, I said that offensive line and wide receiver were two big areas of concern. Well, I remain concerned.

If you think about it, what is our offense, in terms of personnel? It's basically the same as last year, minus Justin Fargas, with a little more inexperience along the line, and a different quarterback who may or may not have an edge on Gradkowski in the ability department. Calibrate your expectations accordingly.

As for our defense, well, it was deja vu all over again as well. Yes, I know that Chris Johnson is a beast. But this was a time to make a statement against the league's best, and we didn't. Not only did we give up more than 200 total rushing yards again, we got gashed by the all-too-familiar big run, a 76-yarder by Johnson for a touchdown.

That wasn't a run defense today. It was a rerun defense.

I also question the call to kick a field goal on 4th and 1 while down 24-3 right before the end of the half. I guess you have to get points where you can get them at that juncture. Still, it just struck me as unecessarily timid.

Anyhow, here we are at 0-1. The crystal ball just got cloudier, and the climb to .500 just got a little harder. Our record should be 1-1 after next week's game against the lowly Rams. But "should" has become a perilous word in the Nation.

156 Comments:

JONES said...

Campbell was a reject from a losing team, of course he isn't that good. Throw him behind that O-line and he looked just like Russell, only skinnier.

Raiders play dumb ball, it's Al's same ole same ole. Crappy defensive scheme, same ole same ole. When will the "crew" come out and admit that all their bravado of a "new" defense was BS? Probably never. 17BobTrey-O, I believe I saw it a few times out there.

It's UNDENIABLE, no sane person would even try to refute it. But of course, we are talking to the "crew", so I'm sure they will still deny it.

Will this be the year that Al FINALLY goes back to the Gruden formula? Where he backs off and allows a HC to coach? or will he continue with the reaching for the past and hiring yes men he can clown around.

It's is so fucking old watching the same shit , year in, year out. Same schemes that don't work, same personel moves that have Al's ego written all over it despite the TEAM. Nothing will change as long as there is a clown "crew" keeping those old dreams alive. Whispering in Al's ear that "we can still do it like the 70's boss". And Al goes on about players from the 60's.

Can the Raiders ever move ahead with evolution? Or will they stay a dinosaur that people can point at like a Homo Erectus and say "that's how they USED to play football"? It's going to turn into historical, as in never forgotten, failure and will ruin a part of Al's legacy. Stop Al, please sit down, we want a new show in town, this one died many moons ago, give it up.

And by the way, I agree completely with Jones. Davis needs to get the hell out of dodge. It is time for someone else to call the shots for the Oakland Raiders. I am more than ready for that. The time has come.

TV coverage showed Davis in a stadium box watching the game. He looked like he'd just been mugged (and I'm not just talking about the game score). It's really tough to see him so frail. Yet, I can't help but wonder how much longer this can go on. How can bringing in qualified help be the wrong thing to do?

The Raiders have now lost 8 straight season openers. We are well on our way to an 8th straight season of double digit losses. The losing continues. It won't be long until year 10 rolls around. If Davis is still calling the shots by then, the losing will continue.

It isn't the wrong thing to do, Al should hire a qualified Op manager as soon as possible and Al needs to step down IMMEDIATELY after the hire. Those who deny this fact are Raider management and the "crew". Everyone else in the world knows it, have known it and will never believe otherwise.

Can't wait to hear "H" and his buddies explain this away. They have denied that Al's way doesn't work for DECADES, the one time the Raiders had success in 20 some odd years, they mock it. They mock it because it wasn't Al's way. This way of thinking (the crew) is archaic and will never be successful in the NFL. Time for more billboards.

Not sure I can put any of this on the WR's.. they dropped some balls but JaMarcus Campbell kept throwing everything high and behind his receivers... at least until the game was out of hand and he relaxed and pretended to be a NFL QB. He was indecisive when under pressure and hurried when not (JaMarcus). He stared down his receivers the entire time (JaMarcus). He had absolutely no touch on any of his passes (JaMarcus). He did do some good things with his feet (Not JaMarcus) but other than that I dont see much of an upgrade over JaMarcus. Why Gradkowski is sitting the bench only leads credence to the ADDSers mantra that AD is calling the shots instead of the coaches. Yes it hurts to admit that.

Oh, and I counted 3 prevent defenses as opposed to ZERO blitzes. If they blitzed even once I didn't notice it.

Guess they think we have the best secondary in the NFL or something even though our FS's would be on the practice squad of nearly any other team, and one of our CBs is starting his first game.

I've always said the NFL is coaching and QB's, and at this point I don't see much improvement. If Gannonkowski returns and our DC grows some balls soon, I still have hope.

Bama7Hey we got rid of Jemarcus, "the problem". And yet we still suck. So which player or coach do we blame it all on now? Is Vince Evans playing anywhere? Can we get him in here to play qb? Maybe we should just make Willie Brown head coach? Let's bring back Charles Philyaw to coach defense. He can stop the run. Maybe our coaching staff or upper mgt should call a player or two down to the "goodfellas" cocktail room over at hq and smack someone around after today's fiasco. I'm sure we'll take the smart approach.

BULLSHIT, nobody who is a Raider fan is happy. Don't be such an ass. Once again it is the "crew" who makes this an Al hater thing. It's about wins there Sparky. We all wish Al could succeed, he can't, that IS THE REALITY. So, in the best interest of the Team and the fans, it's time to step down. It's all it is, but the "crew" makes into a "hater" issue. They are so off base, it makes you wonder how they could get dressed in the morning.

Like I told ya, Like Warren Sapp tells ya, his BALLS ARE TIED. It's Al's defense, do you remember Aso's quote? He said in practise and preseason, they do different things on Defense. Every year, once the season starts, it goes back to what you saw today. Otherwise, they are FIRED. Is it sinking in yet? How much proof do you need?

Regarding the Clown Car, I was this close to including it...It was definitely a Clown Car game. I'm just not sure I want to reprise it for another year. Hopefully, the Raiders will make it moot by performing at a more reasonable level in the coming weeks.

I usually don't read any of your posts because they are so embarrassingly unreadable, but I couldn't help but notice how you were the first one hear HAPPILY telling everyone how right you were and how wrong everyone else was.

Where exactly did I write how happy I was? Where did I write how right I was? Nothing but FALSE comments from you and your ilk, you can never fly straight, it's why there will be no common ground. Ain't my fault I can see the TRUTH but you can't. Do you still blame your Parents for being such an ass?

Who honestly sees the OLine and WR making a complete metamorphosis into competent units anytime soon?

It is next to impossible to succeed in the NFL with a subpar Oline. When the OLine gives Campbell decent protection (which was a rarity on Sunday), Campbell is throwing to WRs who have little to no experience and production.

What is the identity of the offense? What is the identity of the defense? What exactly do we do well?

I hate to be so down but when I see the fundamentals of a team lacking so much, it is hard to put lipstick on a pig.

We don't tackle well. We don't block well. We don't run the ball well. We can't stop the run. We can't get open and catch the ball.

WTF? It's amazing how a "crew" can be so messed up. Dude, get some help, your hate, your ego is your worst enemy. You are unable to look at situations clearly because you are way out of balance. Just admit it, you know nothing about football and you love idol worship. Now go to a therapy session and figure out why you became such an ass.

Penalties (Yds) 10(77) was mostly on the "OL"..."LT"/"C"/"RG"/"RT"....

I could sorta excuse the Rookie "C" for holding -n- bad snaps but Henderson at "LT" is a real liability...He has no heart...According to what I heard on the radio broadcast he missed blocks because he stood there confused instead of going after it...He was the worst we had...The right side was also not able to hold their own...Something needs to change here and very quickly or we aren't going anywhere but down down down...

Here are some possible remedies so we can move "Vald" to "LT"....

Dolphins cut C Jake GroveSteelers cut C Justin Hartwig

"SD" has a "PB" "OT" in "Animated Suspension" that we might be able to go after...

#2...It's not going to matter much who we have at "WR" if we don't have time to throw...

The "WR"s were rarely even thrown to...Zack drew the double coverage so the rest should have been singled up in the zone...I would like to know how it looked in coverage...How much separation did they have...Was it just that "CJ" was under siege that disrupted that area of the game...

#4...Our run "D" is still very suspect...Fortunately we don't have to face too many double threats like this game had where both the "QB"-n-"RB" hurt us but damn!...This was not good and they knew exactly what was coming and had ample time to prepare for it....

#5...3rd dn "D" is vastly inadequate...

Third Down Efficiency 8/15 - 53%

#6...And in general...

Average Gain per Rushing Play 5.3Average Gain per Passing Play 7.4

We can't depend on anything with this crap on the field....

I'm not sure about adjustments...We were down and came out with "TO"s trying to play catch-up with the pass....Late in the game we slowed the run better than early on which is strange considering our "D" should have been tired...

Wait-n-See is past now we enter Wait-n-See if we can do anything about it....

Points where I agree...

#1) "FG" on 4-1 at end of half was very damn weak...

#2) "CJ" has not proven he is a capable "QB" but "GradSki" may well be...

#3) We can't keep Zack healthy is he continues to take such a beating...

#4) "OL" is not dependable and doubtful to improve sufficiently as is...

#5) PhonyFanShadowPoster Celebratingly happy to have it bad was very damn obvious...Examples to follow at end of post...

Points where I disagree...

#1 Al Davis was NOT wearing any hats was he...So what's the point in bashin his aged appearance other than to feed your damn "HateTrip"...

#2) We blitzed and it showed by "LB" play in their backfield but on plays where we needed to send extra defenders we laid back and let them take advantage...Later in the game we did better...

#3) The "WR"s were not offered an opportunity to show anything with the poor play by our "OL" -n- "QB"s inconsistency so there is still the possibility of success with that unit...

PantyRaider...Can't Say The "WR"s Were Adequate If Not Involved In The Game!!!/_-------------------------------Anonymous Anonymous said...

As J-Mac said, “A business memo would characterize Week 1 for the Raiders as ‘failure to accomplish any of the objectives and/or projections set forth by management.”

There’s a few names here I would add to management as being totally blinded from the obvious. Some here are still blaming JaMarcus Russell. Well, Russell wasn’t there yesterday.

Jason Campbell looked horrible throwing and sliding (like he didn’t want to get his pants dirty). The O-line was horrific, and, as RT said, the WRs seemed invisible (they were single-covered all day).

This is why we need Gradkowski starting at QB.

I’m not saying he’s better than Campbell (well, maybe I am), but he’s the field general this offense needs. Remember last year when he pulled the team together? He was directing the O-linemen, and yelling at players when they lost their focus. And many of the false starts seemed to disappear when Gradkowski was the single-caller.

This team needs a field general at QB, not a deer caught in the headlights.

>>>>I’m not saying he’s better than Campbell (well, maybe I am), but he’s the field general this offense needs.>>>>

I couldn't agree more. Plus I think the team wants him on the field. I'm going to see if I can get a question through to JMAC on his life chat to find out if he is hearing any grumblings from the players that Gradk. is not playing.

If so, I will have to agree that this team is built around favoritism instead of winning.

I doubt Cable can survive the season with JaMarcus Campbell as QB... certainly he has to know that.

Is his hands THAT tied where he doesn't even get to pick the QB that will save his own damn job?

A rookie, division 2 TACKLE, being asked to play CENTER, in his first NFL game, kickoff weekend, in Tennessee.

What could possibly go wrong??

10 minutes before kickoff.....

CABLE: Hey Jared! Come here for a second.

VELDHEER: Yeah Coach?

CABLE: Good Luck today kid, you’re gonna do great. Hey, by the way, you realize that you’re in charge of all the line calls today right?

VELDHEER: Line Calls?

CABLE: Yeah, you know, LINE CALLS. Using your experience and knowledge of NFL defensive schemes to call out subtle adjustments based on what you see pre-snap in order to better protect...You know what, forget it, you’ll do fine. Have a great game kid.

That business memo....‘failure to accomplish any of the objectives and/or projections set forth by management.”....Would be a reprimand sent forth to the coaching staff -n- players...

Management has done it's part to bring in a new highly regarded "OC" and insure the return of a "DL" coach who did well for us during our last episode of winning...They brought us a very good crop of draft picks as well as well regarded help at "LB"-n-"DT" on that "D" and "RB"-n-"QB" on that "O"...

Now dammit it's on these coaches and the players on that roster to do their part...Management is NOT going to suit up and go make or call plays on that football field...Al Davis was NOT wearing the "HC"s hat when seen in his booth during that damn game...So get the fu_king "BS" streight and put it squarely where it belongs...On the shoulders of the coaches-n-players...

As to new acquisitions I also see that may be necessary and posted as such but "WR" is NOT the area of huge/urgent needs...It's undoubtedly the "OL" and possibly the "D" as failures also surfaced in that side of the ball..."DB"s/"LB"s-n-"DL" was responsible as was the "DC"....

One thing of note: It was Cable who eventually shit-canned "JePurple" and refused to start him later so he must have some say....I think the deal was legitimate here with "GradSki" banged up early on and us wanting to see what we have in "JC" who better understood that "O"...But if the "QB" position continues to stumble and no changes are made we will have reason to second guess what is happening behind the scenes...

One more thing of note: With that piss poor performance by our "OL" just how much better would "GradSki" have been...We all agree it starts first with protection and there just wasn't any or most certainly not enough...

Again I have to agree and you raised a thought that hadn't crossed my mind before...Was he making bad Line calls because he was too inexperienced and could that have been disruptive to how the "OL" played...

On the radio broadcast it was said that the "DL" was jumping around in front of "C" and getting away with it...That under the new rule the "DL" is not allowed to distract attention by jumping around or making quick movements...

If this was the case both the "Zebra"s -n- our coaches are at fault...

Open the eyes again...We're improving ever so slowly "RT"...No it's NOT "Excellence"...We're coming from the pits of hell and clawing our way beck...Now I know you didn't believe the progress was real before the came so give up the "I'm So Shocked" impersonation and tell it like it was...

I'm one who felt confidant we made sufficient progress on the "D" to be able to stay in a game...So I'm legitimately shocked by our continued lack of fundamentals on that side of the ball...

The "O" is diminished also in my eyes because of the "OL" play that I warned about prior to this game as public enemy #1....

But I'm far from "Hope Is Lost"....We have a few relatively easy targets ahead to get healthy on so I'm very hopeful further progress will be made and we're ready for the tougher opponents that lay ahead....

Well NYR, when the owner/GM goes on a radio show and declares Campbell as the next Plunkett....is it going to take Russell futility for Al to swallow his pride again and let the HC play the best Qb the Raiders have right now? Al restricted Cable from playing Grad in favor of Russell. Now Al is doing it again, all in the name of his ego and trying to show the world that he can make wine out of piss. Everyone on the team, everyone outside of Raider management and the "crew", knows that Grad should be in there, he is the leader on that offense. But some are blinded by their own selfishness and just can't see it.

As far as it being the players and coaches fault, why is the "sheriff" riding those "dead horses" again? One rule for the "crew"......

"So I'm legitimately shocked by our continued lack of fundamentals on that side of the ball..."

Its (it's the scheme), 90% man to man, safety deep, rush 4, 3 on 3rd and long. Keep blitzing to a MIN. This is the scheme, it has been exploited like a child actor. It can't work, that needs to change RIGHT NOW, but once again, a certain person's ego rules over what is best for the team. And the "crew" condones it, enables it and says "I'm shocked, I just don't understand duhh".

For anyone who thinks Chaz Schilens will soon be back on the field, and that his injury situation isn't a repeat of last year, J-Mac had this to offer:

"Wide receiver Chaz Schilens, wearing black support hose on his surgically repaired left knee and walking with the help of a crutch, came into the training area entering the locker room and then thought better of it when he saw the assembled media."

That doesn't sound like the description of a player who will hit the field anytime soon... or at all this season.

So while there are a few Raiders WRs that could double their career totals in an afternoon, there's still no sign of vet help at WR.

We’ve got to play better at tackle. That’s the bottom line here. We’ll do that. We’ll keep working at it, putting it together, using different ways to help them. We’ll just coming up with a process to help those two guys with their issues.

Q: Do you think in your heart of hearts that this O-line is fixable?

Cable:Yeah, I do. It has to be. I do believe that.

Again, when you look at the film there’s a lot of guys open all over the place. It’s just in the first two series he was sacked three or four times. You stand back there with those goons chasing you like that and get hit that many times. We have to fix that first. Let him get comfortable.

Re: "C"...Play Calls May Have Been Issue...

Q: What did you think of Veldheer on film?

Cable: Very competitive. He battled and battled and battled. There were some timing issues with the whole offense, and that starts with the snap. Those are some things to work on.

Cable: How he handled himself was good. You always question yourself when you don’t win, and some of that was part of the issue, for your ability to operate offensively. So yes and no on part I, do I question whether I should have put him in there in that environment. And as for how he did, he battled his tail off.

Re: "D" Failures...

when you guys go look at this film, you’re gonna be very shocked and a little bit angry to see yourselves doing things that we used to do. Things we haven’t done all preseason. Things we kind of felt we had moved beyond. And there they are again.

But you don’t miss a tackle right in the hole and give up a seventy-something yard run. Period, end of story. That’s what it is. It reflects on all of us. It’s not good enough yet.

. We’re kind of pissed off, if I can say that. We’re not feeling sorry for ourselves.

Damn...Now my hope is they come out "Pissed-Off" and take it out on the "Lamb"s and each victim the following weeks...If NOT this team just has NO heart...

Your thoughts are I'm "Spinning" while mine are your continuing in perpetual despair...

Sense when is it a bad thing to look at where the problems lay and ask/seek answers as to why...Now that has to be labeled as "Spinning It"...Typical...Very damn typical "Doom-n-Gloom" while you continue to attempt to paste your "Censorship" stickers on any post not in agreement with your dysfunction...

New rookie converted "C" was off on timing and maybe wasn't apt at line calls...Is that something too difficult for you to acknowledge as a possible contributing factor as to why that "OL" played so damn bad yesterday while according to reports receivers were open down field but couldn't be hit while our "QB" was running for his life...

Meanwhile our "D" reverted back to old habits like taking their eyes off of receivers and not staying in gaps because they want to be too aggressive and not in control...

WoW!...Now that's really "Spinning" it out of the realm of possibilities while of course your completely correct...We just suck and are the same 7 season losing franchise we will always be...

Meanwhile "KC" wins and takes the lead in the AFCW with the 3 remaining team only one game out...Now that includes us...We kept pace with "SD" even in a loss so it just ain't all that bad Baby!!...

"while the Raiders deserve a healthy dose of skepticism based on the last seven years, visual evidence suggests that despite what happened Sunday, they’re considerably better as a passing offense than they were a year ago....so I’m going to believe my eyes and expect they’ll be upgraded to somewhere near average this year because that’s what I saw in July and August."

"Looks like 8-8 means contention, and the next three opponents are St. Louis, Arizona and Houston. With the possible exception of the Texans _ which plays the Raiders in Oakland _ none of these teams presents the kinds of challenges the Raiders faced in Nashville."

Official 1st week Standing AFCW...Stats are a partial sampling of what will actually be their real strengths -n- weaknesses....

>>>>One more thing of note: With that piss poor performance by our "OL" just how much better would "GradSki" have been...We all agree it starts first with protection and there just wasn't any or most certainly not enough...>>>>

As bad as it was on Sunday, it was just as bad if not worse last year and Gannonkowski still had some impressive wins... and threw for 300+ yards against the former SB champs.

If there is any person on the planet that is prepared to play behind a crappy line it is Gradkowski... especially since I think the OL respect and will play harder for him.

Not sure how many games I can bear to watch if we keep trotting out low-IQ QB's that for some reason EXPECT great coverage every play... and then don't even know WTF to do with it when it happens.

I see nothing from JaMarcus Campbell that makes me think he is the answer... and I didn't even see too much in practice games against vanilla defenses.

The guy is completely over his head in the NFL... and I suspect Wash completely dumbed down their playbook for him to be even a serviceable QB.

I guess Cable/Jackson has a choice to make... start the QB that gives us the best chance to win with the playbook we have, or tear it in half and start over with something a child could handle.

Gradkowksi, even under pressure, somehow gets the ball down field. There were plays Sunday that Campbell seemed to look for the checkdown before his primary target(s). Maybe that was by design, but I don't remember too many balls being thrown down field.

This week we go against what is the #27 "D" so things should be much easier...

Pass....#26Rush....#19

Our "O" at #22Pass....#25Rush....#5

So we should be able to both run -n- pass against that team...So I expect this "OL" to come out and give our "QB" some measure of protection and for that running game to give us the advantage...

The problem is that now everyone has seen the effects of getting in "JC"s face and the ease of doing that against our "OL" so no doubt they will try to bring the heat the same way...We may have just opened the door to something we are powerless to stop but I'm hoping Cable is for real and can get this crap straightened out soon...

If "JC" continues to be inept early I for one would make the change and we still have him for back-up...None of these guys are making the big bucks so either could warm the bench...

As for our "D"s failures they too should get healthy this week...

"STL" holds the #14 "O"....

Pass....#10Rush....#24

Which is a good match-up for our "D" at #21...

Pass....#5Rush....#31

But these players need to want it and want it bad...They need to come out angry and get after the Lambs early and often...NO laying back crap...

According to what I heard the routs were shortened and he thew very short -n- behind the line which is what he was known for in Washington...The "WR"s had very little opportunity to show anything intermediate to deep in that game which is why I questioned how we could even judge their abilities...

It was reported that once "JC" got rattled early on he closed up and was looking for the quick dump off...If "GradSki" can handle that kind of pressure better than he should get the chance to play...

I'm not going to start beating that drum after just the 1st week but if "JC" can't get it together this week he should hold the clipboard on the sidelines and learn while "GradSki" demonstrates how...

But notoriously most team are very reluctant to make quick changes at "QB"...

While really was proud to advance in pre season that Veldeer would break into the starting line-up, Tom Cable blew this one. If he was going to have Veldeer become the starting Center, it shouldn't have been on the first game of the season after only playing in two exhibition games for a half or less.

It was a little unfair of Cable to expect a Division II player to make that leap. It was apparent that Tennessee actually game planned to blow him up, and they succeeded, causing the whole line to collapse iin the first half. They settled down in the second half but it was too late.

I also don't think that the QB situation is completely settled. I now understand the Skins fans' discomfort with Campbell. He doesn't make mistakes, but he also doesn't make things happen. He's the type of QB Jon Gruden loves. One who lets the game come to him.

But at this point in their developement, the Raiders need to go out and take a win. They need a QB like Gradkowski. Problem is, Gradkowski may be injury prone.

Bottom line is I agree with JMac. It's one game. I expect 3-1 after four games. I can live with 2-2. If we go 1-4 or 0-4, I'll say, "Here we go again."

Tennessee presents a far more difficult problem than most teams. They have the best running QB in the league, and the best RB. I'd suggest that's a combination that at least 10 other teams this season won't stop.

I think we see it the same way...That "OL" just imploded way to fast -n- way too far to be a typical problem with blocking...It was more like what happened to us in that last "SB" when we lost Barret Robins to metal issues and had to rely on his back-up with short notice..."TB" saw the opportunity and went after it...

The radio crew reported Teen's "DL" was getting away with jumping around and making quick moves to disrupt our "OL" and no flags were being thrown...The young rookie "C" was not ready to deal with all that and his regular assignment at the same time...

It was also reported that Tenn generates the highest amount of pre-snap penalties in the NFL against anyone who plays in their stadium...Those things should have been anticipated and taken into consideration prior to sending such a rookie in there to get burned...

Panty, you and I see it exactly the same way. The center is responsible for all of the protection calls at the line, and to audible line calls. He is the QB of the offensive line.

It seemed to me that the thumb tacks were off side on about a dozen plays in the first half, but they were never called. They were in Veldeer's face the entire first half. A rookie from a Divsion II school didn't stand a chance.

I didn't get to see the game because the video stream never opened here....But this is also what was reported on the radio broadcast...Plunket -n- Flores know what's going on...they may be homers but they are also knowledgeable too...

What I don't get is that it took the entire offseason for the Raiders to realize they didn't have a starting center, so they throw in a Division II LT.

I don't blame Valdheer for Sunday, and it's hard to blame Cable because he had no viable option.

As far as the Titans defense getting off the ball so quickly, Cable was questioned by the media and downplayed it as the Titans having a propensity to jump off-sides.

The question really is whether or not Campbell and the Raiders provided the Titans D with identifiable calls and/or cadence that allowed them to react as fast or even faster than the Raiders O-line. It was ugly to watch.

I have a great deal of faith in Veldeer. From all accounts he's really, really bright and picks things up very quickly. But to ask him to play the QB of the OL without ever having played the position in college (Division II at that) in his very first pro game, when he's been given only about four quarters to understand the position, is asking too much.

He's brighter than Cable. Cable should have had Veldeer play at least the first half of the Seattle game for the added experience. Also, when he was asked if Veldeer had any prior experience at Center, he should have made something up like, "I don't know but he seems like he's been playing there all his life."

When Veldeer was asked the same question, he said he didn't want to provide so much information to Tennessee. Smart guy. You can argue that he knew what was coming and should have prepared himself better - but how do you prepare yourself for that when you're from a Division II school?

As it was, it looked to me like Tennessee actually specifically game planned for Veldeer. They seemed determined to get into his head from the very first snap, and they succeeded. Fortunately he was able to settle down, but plan on the Lambs to try exactly the same thing.

A commenter called HayesDaze left this comment on JMac's blog, thought it was compelling:

"It’s STILL a great time to be a Raiders fan. Isn’t it?

Attention panickers and bandwagoners: It’s not the end of the world. But it most certainly IS time to stop “relaxing” — and get this team’s attitude adjusted.

Yes, they were nervous…it was evident they were tight right from the start. But, handling this nervousness by playing it down is killing the personality of the team. This team lacks fire. Period.

Sometimes, keeping ones cool isn’t what we need to be doing. On the field or on the sideline. At some point somebody needs to get nasty. Nasty and mean and pi$$ed off and tough and nasty again.

A nasty-playing team doesn’t need to be dirty. Just nasty. We’ve got the bodies, and we’ve got the personalities…yet we’re timid and flat. Doesn’t make any sense.

Cable does his worst Art Shell impression during the self-destruction. Hue Jackson called a terrible game. JCampbell stayed entirely too smoove all day…he needed to light a fire in the huddle*. Mario Henderson played like the slowest Tackle in the League, also without fire. Veldheer played like a rookie in his first start in an ugly environment; sub-par but fixable. McClain called an OK game, and played it just OK, as he was too easily squared-up on and leveraged. Like him or not, it’s time to take a long look at MMitchell to see if he can live up to the hype.

We can only assume that Hue Jackson would’ve done a little more ground n’ pound early on had MBush been in there. In the very beginning of the game, the nasty, physical, a$$-kicking was handed out by the Titans D-line…on our bigger O-line. That D-line needed to be punched in their mouths hard, right from the beginning…and you do that by pounding it right at ‘em.

DMcFadden’s great effort aside, the O-line needs to be able to inflict its will on the D-line, esp on running plays…we couldn’t even do that right.

Not too late to fix anything, but it’s almost too late to get their attitudes right…it’s time for somebody ON THE FIELD saying “enough is enough.”

*Jason Campbell should start again this week… but Bruce Gradkowski wouldn’t need someone to get him fired-up. Or his Offense."

An offense takes on the personalty of its QB. We saw proof of that last year with Russell (and Gradkowski).

When a veteran QB slides a yard short of the 1st down marker on a 3rd down scramble, he more or less takes a knee and concedes. That’s what Campbell and the Raiders did on Sunday.

Clearly, “taking a knee” isn’t Gradkowski’s style.

It’s possible that Gradkowski wouldn’t take the Raiders further than 8-8 this year.

But it’s also possible that Jason Campbell will lead the Raiders to his W-L total from last year. His best game last year, hands down, was against the Raiders. And here he is, like all the one-hit wonders and Super Bowl MVPs before him.

So while he may seem fundamentally sound, Campbell will need to be much more than that to win as the Raiders QB.

While this is a little off the current thread my belief of what is happening can be anchored around what Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers) has been offering lately as an argument...the difference between a puzzle and a mystery. Without going too far into it, he offers that the Cuban Missile Crisis was a puzzle; 9-11 a mystery. The journalistic research behind Watergate was a puzzle and the research behind Enron a mystery. There is far more to this but humor me in this analogy for a moment. Gladwell continues this puzzle versus mystery discussion by talking how NFL QB’s represent more of a mystery than a puzzle. If a puzzle, given all the data unearthed and investments made by NFL Franchises in these players, certainly QB’s chosen in the first 50 picks would outperform those chosen in picks 51 -150, however they do not. NFL franchises have not proven to be proficient in making these selections.

The example of this could not be closer to home for us in the Nation after JaMarcus. Clearly, there is more to just putting together a successful team in the modern NFL than just solving a puzzle. And here is what Gladwell suggests to the business world...a truly effective leader must recognize that information presents itself in a different manner than the past. What now is required of a leader is the willingness to step back from the problem and recognize that making decisions are different now than how they were made in the past.

To me this is the rub. With all due respect to Mr. Davis, the framework of organizational decision making is radically different now than it was even 10 years ago, let alone decades ago. You are who you are. People are indelibly shaped by their life experience and the decisions they make echo those experiences. No question Mr. Davis wants to win. But I would argue you that what made him a Maverick now merely makes him antiquated in a very different business. While we may experience snippets of success, a sustained approach with consistent innovation is no longer a cultural competency within the Oakland Raiders.

One’s ability to break down X’s and O’s is not a primer of success. In fact, it has proven to be nothing more than a primer of continued failure and volatility. The NFL of old represented a puzzle. The modern NFL is more of a mystery and takes a different set of skills; skills that no longer exist within the Raider culture. Rebuilding the Raiders for sustained improvement will not occur with a new center or QB or defensive scheme; it has to begin internally. All other efforts are attempts at solving a mystery like a puzzle.

While this is a little off the current thread my belief of what is happening can be anchored around what Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers) has been offering lately as an argument...the difference between a puzzle and a mystery. Without going too far into it, he offers that the Cuban Missile Crisis was a puzzle; 9-11 a mystery. The journalistic research behind Watergate was a puzzle and the research behind Enron a mystery. There is far more to this but humor me in this analogy for a moment. Gladwell continues this puzzle versus mystery discussion by talking how NFL QB’s represent more of a mystery than a puzzle. If a puzzle, given all the data unearthed and investments made by NFL Franchises in these players, certainly QB’s chosen in the first 50 picks would outperform those chosen in picks 51 -150, however they do not. NFL franchises have not proven to be proficient in making these selections.

The example of this could not be closer to home for us in the Nation after JaMarcus. Clearly, there is more to just putting together a successful team in the modern NFL than just solving a puzzle. And here is what Gladwell suggests to the business world...a truly effective leader must recognize that information presents itself in a different manner than the past. What now is required of a leader is the willingness to step back from the problem and recognize that making decisions are different now than how they were made in the past.

To me this is the rub. With all due respect to Mr. Davis, the framework of organizational decision making is radically different now than it was even 10 years ago, let alone decades ago. You are who you are. People are indelibly shaped by their life experience and the decisions they make echo those experiences. No question Mr. Davis wants to win. But I would argue you that what made him a Maverick now merely makes him antiquated in a very different business. While we may experience snippets of success, a sustained approach with consistent innovation is no longer a cultural competency within the Oakland Raiders.

One’s ability to break down X’s and O’s is not a primer of success. In fact, it has proven to be nothing more than a primer of continued failure and volatility. The NFL of old represented a puzzle. The modern NFL is more of a mystery and takes a different set of skills; skills that no longer exist within the Raider culture. Rebuilding the Raiders for sustained improvement will not occur with a new center or QB or defensive scheme; it has to begin internally. All other efforts are attempts at solving a mystery like a puzzle.

raider00 said..."Keep in mind about Jason Campbell that he had a rep of being a poor red zone QB with the skins."

This simply isn't true. As a matter of fact, it is the exact opposite. Although the Skins had fewer red zone opportunities, Campbell was VERY efficient in the red zone. Look it up:

http://www.ffmastermind.com/fantasy-football-red-zone-analysis.php

Jason Campbell 2009: 42/68-284-18-0

Last 3 years:Jason Campbell: 100/181-692-40-3

That's right ... 40 TD passes and 3 INTS over the past 3 years in the red zone.

It seems that alot of people are writing off Jason Campbell. Look folks, I watched the game. He didn't play well BUT and this is a HUGE but ... the guy was running for his life on virtually EVERY single pass snap.

The "JaMarcus Campbell" barbs are totally off-base and unwarranted. I don't have any false illusions that Campbell is an elite QB but here's what I do know that is proven to date:

He is a stand-up, hard working, athletic, durable, dedicated, accurate, professional QB with the keyword being professional.

ummm did anyone watch the kc/sd game? dyam did kc looked improved. we admit that we laughed when we read some of these writers picked the chiefs to finish ahead of the raiders in the division. but they beat the freakin afc western division champion chargers man! we're supposed to be those "chiefs"!!!!

yes it's only 1 lousy game BUT can we fix what needs to be fixed and still have a good year? can someone give me a pat on the back and say everything's gonna be ok there scorp buddy? :o|

Who cares about Campbell, he is only in there because Al wants to prove a point. Grad OWNS the Offense, the team responds with glee when he is in there, HE IS A LEADER. Campbell is not, he does not inspire anyone except Al Davis and a few on here.

Grad is the guy, said it when Grad showed he was back to 100% this off season. He came in and the Offense lit up, players PLAYED BETTER. What is the definition of a good player, a leader? Someone who makes those around him better, it was clearly the case whenever Grad is in there. You have to be blind not to see it.

Anyways, not that Grad will take the Raiders to the Bowl, but he sure makes the Offense BETTER than the stinky thing it is with unispired Qb play and an O-line that is already falling apart. Grad is a PLAYER, Campbell is not, why can't the genius Al Davis see this?

Sticking the new kid at Center, whoever (Al) is making this call, get your head examined. Not only do you ruin a good prospect, but you screw up the whole Offense. It's things like this that are mind blowing, how can a "professional" franchise be run like this, it's pathetic. No WR's FOR YEARS, no O-line for years, subpar Qb's for years. Gannon was great other than that...George? Collins? Brooks? WTF.

Trading away draft picks for guys like Moss and Seymour and totally blowing draft picks that are kept(except for this year). The Raiders have no chance, no chance in hell. BLOW IT UP, get some new blood to run the damn thing and at least try something new.

Just so were are clear, I also share Jones' enthusiasm for Ski. It is Ski's intangibles, moxie, improvisational skills that gives him a chance to succeed IN SPITE of a bad OLine and WR corps.

It is also clear to me that Campbell deserves to be given a chance to prove himself next week and beyond. To judge Campbell based on 1 game with an OLine that couldn't give him decent protection and a WR corps that is unproven and unproductive is rash.

The more important issue to address is even more important than picking QBs ... the success of our offense just like any playoff caliber team relies on a competent, talented OLine. At this point, it is too late in the game to change the OLine personnel. Our current OLine will need to rise above and perhaps be reconfigured.

If Cable starts Veldheer at LT and Campbell at RG, so be it. In my mind, the current OLine minus Gallery (Walker, Carlisle, Veldheer, Henderson) are 1 more poor performance away from being replaced as necessary.

To lose to the Rams at home and go 0-2 would be devastating on many levels.

What has Campbell done to warrant that he remain the starter? Grad has shown without a shadow of a doubt that this Offense will play their heart out for him. They go to a higher level. It's crystal clear to those who can see. Look at Campbell on the bench, who does he look like? Look at Grad on the sidelines, who does he look like? Who fires up the team? Who would you rather have? There is no argument for Campbell, other than he is an Al project so it's up to him....

Excellent work Bro...Don't stay far away...I enjoyed the read even if it was a take opposite of what I typically post...

The Raiders are the last team fashioned in the image of their owner as all others have long sense passed on...One thing that has been touched on here is the attitude and that's one of the dominating traits in that owner's image that fashioned this team in it's past...Now how do we bring back that which has been lost now so long ago...

"Killer Instinct"...

The "Smell of Blood" that fires them up and makes them play above themselves...The will to just "Take It" -n- "Dictate to Them" what will be...

"Take What We Want When We Want" -n- "Damn All Who Would Object"...

The real pitiful thing is it's even been lost amongst many of the fans who once embodied those traits as much as this team did...

"CJ"....

ThankYou...Setting the record straight is always a good thing...

One thing I think I'm beginning to detect after trolling around and reading a variety of post...The fans seem a little more than just disappointed...They are starting to seem just a little angry.....

Now I hope that translates also to this team because they really need to go into their own house and destroy somebody and no better time than the now and no better target than the "Lamb"s...Just because that's the next scheduled feast on the menu...

My hope now is that after tasting the blood of domination it carries over and fills this team with the vigor needed to succeed...

PantyRaider...Just Bring Back The "Nasty" Baby!!!!/_

If not...We no longer have the will to win much less than to dominate anyone anywhere...

Cornerback Kevin Dockery has a "significant" left-hamstring strain and might not play next week at Oakland, Spagnuolo said. Rookie tight end Michael Hoomanawanui has a high left ankle sprain that could sideline him a while.

Wide receiver Laurent Robinson was in a walking cast on his right leg after aggravating an ankle injury,

Running back Steven Jackson underwent an MRI exam on an inflamed right knee, but Spagnuolo believed the veteran would be fine.

"Titans defensive tackle Jason Jones told the (Nashville) Tennessean that Campbell was leaning back a little bit before the snap on passing plays. That would partially explain the great jump the Titans were getting off the snap, and Campbell's ineffectiveness (two fumbles, one interception, four passes batted down and four sacks)."

Campbell was the Raiders worst enemy last Sunday.

PR: the "taste of blood" the Raiders got was their own. I certainly hope that doesn't carry over.

Take, I was wrong. You've still got it. I particularly liked your take at about 4:10.

Blue Monday, welcome. A very interesting point of view. From my prior posts, you'd obviously understand that I generally disagree. But I've always been of the view that Davis grants a lot more authority to his staff than he's given credit for. In fact, I've argued that their recent mess (over the last seven years) is caused more by Davis' lack of involvement. But I'm really tired of the argument.

Calico, I agree that Campbell should be given EVERY chance to succeed. I also believe that the Raiders put Campbell ahead of Gradkowski because they share your concern that he's injury prone.

Any change during the season, so long as the Raiders are competitive, should only be made naturally through injury. If that happens, however, it is my belief that Gradkowski may never relinquish the job.

This is part of what makes a season interesting, whether your team is winning or not.

But with Campbell and Gradkowski, we have two completely different NFL QB approaches. Campbell is a prime example of the type of QB Jon Gruden prefers. A QB who comes to work every day, commands the huddle, doesn't make mistakes, and stays with the play as called until the whistle. Gradkowski is the type of QB who fits more into the Raider traditional role. He avoids mistakes, but reacts to what he sees on the field, willing to step outside the play (on occassion) and improvise - always looking for a weakness.

Campbell plays it cool and calm, almost never getting rattled. Gradkowski is a gunslinger, fired with emotion.

With all of that said, since Gradkowski played last season I've had the feeling that what the Raiders really need is an emotional leader. Grad fits that bill, and Campbell does not.

But I still agree that as things are, Campbell must stay in place unless clearly beaten by Grad, or Campbell gets injured. QB controversies can be very, very destructive.

I got mine by trolling around other boards where fans were talking more angry than disappointed and how the rest of the AFCW is so weak that in reality this is only 1 of 16 and we weren't going undefeated anyway...

It very well may have been the toughest team on our schedule where before I would have listed Indy in that position...But looking at Indy now they don't look as tough or as healthy as before...

Another point is the rookie "C" play that contributed to our demise shouldn't be as great an issue this week as last...Nor in the future for that matter as they have time to develop together...

Also of note the rest of the AFCW have yet to meet Tenn on the field so likely that will count in our favor too...At least than I will be rooting for them...

Meanwhile the entire NFCW looks even weaker than anticipated with the results from "SadFran"s game against the "SeaChicken"s...

Third Down Efficiency 1/15 - 6%

So in fact we may have found more reason to celebrate than to cry...But of course...The criers will always find a way...

While I agree with you to a point I also disagree this week if we are not productive against a team like the "Lamb"s due to poor play at "QB"...Protection problems aside "JC" needs to find a way to get to his "WR"s consistently while still being productive with his "RB"s -n- "TE"...

As I see it now there is not really going to be any excuse what so ever not to have control of this contest and dominate a team like the "Ram"s...Anything short of that is an alarm going off in my scull...It shouldn't even be close unless our "D" totally collapses too...

One of the things that the Raiders Sunday performance will insure is that it will be a very sparse crowd at the Raiders home opener. Virtually every team has reported difficulty selling tickets this year - because of the economy. But losing certainly doesn't help. Folks suffering will want their favorite sports team to cheer them up. The Raiders have a lot of work to do.

Regarding Campbell leaning back before the snap on passing plays - this hasn't been shown to be a consistent problem with Campbell, and I suspect it was largely due to working with Veldeer in a game, essentially for the first time.

If the Raiders are scared to put Grad in because "he might get hurt", he shouldn't be on the roster. Who keeps a QB for fear he might get hurt? Just another absurd statement. Is it because they fear the O-line is so bad that they think "little" Grad will get killed? So Al won't have to pay for his death benefits?

Just another diversion from the fact Al Davis is starting the wrong Qb. Campbell hasn't done SQUAT, he deserves NOTHING. Grad has shown he is the leader, HE is the starting Qb, but not in Raider world.

I thought Huey was a Highly touted OC? According to the "crew" all offseason, he was going to really whip the O into shape. That writer also blames the coaches for personel moves. AHHHH, he is wrong. He blames the coaches for schemes, AHHHH wrong. We all know why Huff plays, why DHB plays, why Campbell is the starter, why the Raiders have played this Defense almost exclusively since the SIXTIES. We all know why the Defense never blitzes during the Reg season. Warren Sapp said it quite clearly on NFL network. Al slashes the coaches gameplans on Friday and the team has to learn the "new" gameplan. Deflates the team because they know there chances just got slashed. It's insane, it really is.

But I still agree that as things are, Campbell must stay in place unless clearly beaten by Grad, or Campbell gets injured. QB controversies can be very, very destructive.>>>>

JMAC answered the question I wanted asked in saying he hasn't heard any grublings favoring Gradkowski from the players... and also pointed out he had two nearly perfect drives vs the starters in two practice games... so hopefully the Tenn game was an aberration.

We shall see on Sunday... if he looks as horrible against a suspect Rams defense... especially if they are worried about McFadden after his good game... I am not going to have much patience with him.

Ask a Redskins fan if he thinks it was just an aberration. He'll tell you that he has seen it before. Question: Would you want the Qb controversy now, or at the half way point when the season is close to over? Didn't we just see that movie last year?

I want full out, best talent and playmakers on the field, no more wait and see till midseason and hope it works out. Wait and see on DHB, Dmac, Bush, Henderson, Campbell, Mitchell, Routt, Huff. Every year, it's wait and see, there is no time for wait and see, it's get it done time. This 11 year plan is just too long.

Well obviously NO "Scholarship" was there but the adverse will always be approached with fondness...

Gallery’s status the most precarious for Rams...Damn Hammy!!!...

Running back Michael Bush was in “full participation” mode, which means there’s a chance he could play against the Rams _ 20 days after surgery on his left thumb.

That "Two Headed Monster" is about to show it's fierceness and I doubt the "Lamb"s know how to deal with it...On the other hand we may not need it so save the showcasing until a difficult match-up presents itself...

Week 5...."SD""D"-#4Pass-#2Rush-#27

Signs of the right attitude...

“We have to go out there and earn it. We have to fight for what we want.’’

– Cable warned that all the Raiders ills have not been caused by the offensive line.

However he didn't give any other clear-cut examples of why we sucked...Well I guess we can't blame the "OL" for fumbled returns or getting gashed by the run...

Sense I have no way to post this bar-graph I will just post the url...It's a crying same I can't make "NRY" cry threw "CyberSpace" but Oh! Well!..Find another way...

"Bug"s favored 7-8pts at home in opener but I'm thinking possible up-set here..."BlackCat"s may be better than they look on paper and "Bug"s may be worse with loss of "PB" personnel..."LT"-n-"WR"....Their high stats were in a loss to the weak-ass "Squaw"s so don't carry much merit...

So...Were those stats including the preseasons or just regular season when it counts....Ha! Ha!....

You didn't define your account....

So In Other Words...Making it very simple...

"CJ"-n-"RT"....

Don't talk nice about these suck-ass Raiders...No posting of anything possibly positive on this here board...

"Doom-n-Gloom" shall always dominate here...

But on one point I'll agree...

"The only thing that truly counts is the performance on the field on Sundays."

Very damn true so now as that relates to the front office I'll just accept that....NO one in that damn front office is ever carrying the ball or throwing it or catching it NOR does anyone not on the roster ever miss a damn tackle...

According to general knowledge, in the minds of every NFL fan of a losing team, the BY FAR best player on the squad is the Backup QB and nobody else.....

Jeez, how long are you guys watching this game? TEN beat us fair and square in a hostile environment in the very first game of the season starting a Rookie as a center who did not play the position since high school and all you can come up with is "Fire the Management!" and "Start Gradkowski, bench JaMarcus Campbell!".

Ano moron....Grad has shown he owns the Offense, it's not a knee jerk reaction. The management has shown over a long period of time to be weak. I think you are the moron for not knowing what is ailing the team. Go back to your comic books and cartoons, you know ZIP.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Campbell. He's a by-the-numbers QB, who doesn't turn the ball over. In fact, by-the-numbers, he's a better QB than Gradkowski.

But Gradkowski has an intangeble leadership quality that sparks the players around him, and makes things happen.

Personnally, I think that Grad is probably more suited to lead the team right at the moment. Unforntunately, Gradkowski took himself out of the competition early with a string of injuries. Cable wanted a decision made on the QB before Grad became available, so Campbell was named starting QB. And it doesn't help a team at all to play musical QBs.

Pulling Campbell after one game would look like panic, and adversely effect the team. They have to stick with Campbell until he's clearly beaten out by Gradkowski or until Campbell gets injured.

This kind of thing DOES NOT represent poor or weak management. Virtually evey intelligent team in the NFL would do it the same way. That is, except for the teams that continually rotate QBs and miss the playoffs. - Like we've been for the last seven years (Gannon, Collins, Brooks, Walter, Tui, Culpepper, McGown, Russell, Gradkowski, Frye, Campbell).

In further defense of the Raider management, they can fairly argue that they don't just suspect that Grad is injury prone. They know he is injury prone. Over the course of three starts, rehab and off season workouts, he was injured over protracted periods TWICE.

Okay, so you argue any QB can be inured behind our OL. Well, the OL had NOTHING to do with Grad's pec tear. He did that all on his own, lifting weights. Further, Grad is the most mobile QB we have (other than Frye, who is injured) and gets the ball away quicker as well. He should be the least injured of all our QBs.

The feeling of the Raider management is fairly clear. Their concern about Grad's durability is also reflected by the fact they even have a qualified starter as their number three. They anticipate the possibility that if Campbell goes down, Gradkowski might shortly follow.

At this point Gradkowski will have to prove his durability. The management already knows he can move the team. But shuffling QBs every couple of weeks will get them NOWHERE.

The signing of Pear indicates that they believe Gallery will likely be out this week. That's really bad news because I think that Gallery helps to keep Veldeer grounded.

The fact that they released Figurs tends to indicate that they expect the return of either Bush or Schilens for this game. Schilens was still on crutches at the start of the week, but Bush was fully participating yesterday. If Bush can play, McFadden can cover the lost receiver's position when needed.

The biggest concern is Gallery. With a struggling offensive line, he's needed.

Keeping the wrong Qb as the starter is better than "showing panic" and switching? So out of trying not to embarrass yourself, you keep trying with the #2 Qb? That makes no sense.

The TEAM PLAYS FOR GRAD, they know it. They showed it last year and they showed it again in preseason. Playing Campbell is just another demoralizer for the team. This is very basic and wondering what others are thinking is the exact thing wrong with the Org. Head Office cares what they look like to others (ego) instead of getting the job done, be damned what others think.

Hey, JONES. Time to wake up and join the party. Not one Raider player is asking for the insertion of Gradkowski. Nice of you to decide for them what they want, but I really don't think they care what you think.

And it's nice to hear that you think I'm just like the Raiders. I suppose that means that you're a die hard Blanda fan as well.

You wished I was your fan, I'm not a fan of the way the Raiders do business or you. That was the aspect I was comparing you to. But of course, you even screw that up.

And why would any of the players be speaking about it? It would be "in house", but you screw that up as well.

Actions speak louder than words there Grandpa, actions have shown loud and clear what it is. Both you and Al have screwed that up too. All we are asking...is for competent management...sing along Balanda....All we are asking./...is for.....SING you management defenseman.

I believe that the results of any organization/company over a sustained period are a direct reflection of the state of upper management, ie: those at the top.

That is just my belief, based on personal observation. I do not believe that poor management at the top ever produces good results over a sustained period. Conversely, I don't believe that great management produces poor results over a sustained period.

So when the Raiders turn it around and produce good results over a sustained period, I will be the first to applaud the upper management. When this will happen remains to be seen.

Anon is just tuning in. He/She thinks Sunday in TN was the Raiders' first game. Yeah, first game this year, with the same exact results of the past seven years. It demonstrated their complete failure to compete.

The Raiders couldn't have been more unprepared.

BR said: "Gradkowski took himself out of the competition early with a string of injuries."

Do you really believe that? Huh?

Campbell became the starter when he became a Raider. Gradkowski's injury put him in competition for the #2 spot, which he held once Campbell was traded for.

And to suggest Grad doesn't start because he is injury-prone is insane. We keep a roster full of injury-prone players.

Maybe Cable can just set up a game of checkers on the sideline for McFadden, Bush, Schilens, Nick Miller and Grad. Cable should keep his best players healthy for the second half of the season when we're battling for a draft slot.

Which leads me to Schilens. Once again, he will not see the field until the Raiders season is practically decided, if at all.

How is that not a management problem?

Stop making excuses. Just admit there are more questions than answers.

I hear what you are saying and I'm just as (a) frustrated (b) disappointed (c) pissed off (d) all of the above.

However, I disagree with pulling the rip cord on Campbell after 1 game.

In my mind, that is a panic move that isn't justified. My viewpoint will evolve with the information on hand. IMO, 1 game is way too small of a sample size to make this kind of change. It has nothing to do with perception and everything to do with giving Campbell a reasonable chance to prove his mettle.

I know I'm not going to change your mind so we will just have to agree to disagree ... for now.

After Sundays game with the Rams, a very winnable game at home, we will all have a much better idea about Campbell and the Raiders team as a whole.

Does the team adjust or lay another egg? Do they come out flat again or come out swinging? Is Campbell dazed and confused or rock solid?

I prolley agree with that...Show your proof that he is because to date I have never seen one solitary shred of evidence linking him to anything except as hired by our US Government...But maybe a double agent with the rest of his royal oil family...Unless of course you believe all that make believe "WMD" hype -n- doctored vids of a right handed man wearing a gold wedding ban which was contrary to his life to begin with being a left handed Islamic extremest...

So now back to football...

The point was "NYR" that "CJ"s own words so stated the obvious and I was merely agreeing while pointing our the foolishness of the continued attempts to "Censor" the comments of ownership/"HC"s-n-Fans while allowing all negative tripe to be propagated on this board at will that comes from some "Mediot" -or- Disgruntled Posters...

Now moving on again....

Anno Posted Morons....9:06 AM

Right On Bro but wait just a moment here...Now that I look at it your writing seems remotely familiar...Ah!....Did you not know that the "Double" quot is used to bracket the 'Single' within itself and .... is acceptable when showing a segment of a statement has not been posted and furthermore that POSING IN ALL CAPS is the stupidity of a weak mind attempting to haler at someone...

Now ya see I misuse the English language as much as possible and some "JERK" has attempted to copy that trait and said "JERK" is also a known "SHADOW POSTER" so this brings me to the question of "JUST WHO THE HELL ARE YOU"...

Please confirm your identity...

That damn idiot might be arguing with himself...

Now movin on again...

Here I have to agree with "CJ" that it's worthwhile to wait-n-see this week before jumping to conclusions in any direction so early...

I will again post as before that if in fact the Raiders play remotely like their 1st half performance last week we can all start crying right along with "NYR" because there will be NO evidence that we can compete against the stronger competition on our schedule...

However...I also don't in the slightest expect this team to take another "Crap" on the field like that...The only "Terd's that will be seen are those kicked out of the damn "Lamb"s butts and than all the rest of the "Little Shitty VocaBlilly" can get flushed right along with all that damn habitual crying back to that "Filthy Shitty Stanky Abyss" from which it erupted...

Now wouldn't that be damn nice...A whole damn week without crying...Do any really believe that's at all possible here...

SAN DIEGO (AP)—San Diego Chargers holdout wide receiver Vincent Jackson can play in Week 5 if he’s traded by next Wednesday, the NFL and the players union decided Thursday.

Marcus McNeill "OT" "PB"erHeight:6-7 Weight:336

He is mentioned but not listed as "Trade Bait"....Yet....

In other news...

Well I hope your all pleased with yourselves for picking on "Stupid Mario" the way we have...Whoops!...Am I guilty! Man!...Well...I'm just going to shrink back in denial for a few...Why the hell not it certainly works for some of you...

"Stupid Mario" conceded he probably shouldn’t listen to all the criticism and take it to heart.

I’ve just got to block out that negativity. It’s tough, though. I ain’t going to lie. It’s tough, man.’’

Henderson’s sensitivity to outside criticism has been a regular topic of conversation.

you can get caught up in this stuff to the point where it will control you emotionally.

“He and I have spent a lot of time talking about staying away from that.’’

So see what you have done...Now I'm damn glad I just enable him to be all he hasn't been...

Did I post yet about that "OT" in "SD"....Oh! Ya!...It's up already...

In the "Context" of "OJ"s trial "Charles Manson" was driving the get away car when "Bin Laden" was seen planting bloody gloves flat down on the ground....Now how the hell did you get that corkscrewed to believe the "Earth" is still "Flat"....

Damn you can twist some shit....But is that why you have "Stanky Fingers"....

Just how the hell does that relate to what the Raiders are going to do to those sweet soft little cuttingly "Lamb"s....

I arrive back in USAirSpace on the 22nd and plan to make 2 games while staying in my RV…Weeks #4-5...Maybe week #6 is also doable in "SadFran"...

My Week #2 Prediction...What's Yours...

Final Score 12-19...

Our "D" will score in this one twice...1st off an "Int" and 2nd with the "S" after "ST"s pins them deep against their own goal.....So 9 points are accumulated as a result of our "D"s much improved play....

The "O" will struggle at times but move the ball well on the ground finding the endzone once and setting our "ST"s up for the goal posts too so accounting for 10 pts....

Meanwhile the "Lamb"s will move the ball well on the ground and threw the air but get stuffed in the RedZone so held to 4 "FG"s with a 5th one blocked/missed...

See...Bet ya all thought I was predicting a Raider loss when ya saw 12-19 but the visitor's score gets posted 1st and home team 2nd....

Damn…All that cash at the expense of the fans but they would all slap us in the face and walk/lock out…

Put The “BillBoards” Back Up Across This Nation We Need To Start Fighting NOW!!!!/_

“BillBoards” should advertise a “Million Man March” of the fans in our team colors showing solidarity against any plans the NFL-n-NFLPA may have of disrupting our sport…Stating that we will totally boycott any and all replacement teams and continue such actions against the NFL even after the teams retake the field if our season is disrupted…

Pre-Posting of the warning via the Web now to unify the fans and get that message out to the networks/advertisers who pay the bills off our backs…

Damn…All that cash at the expense of the fans but they would all slap us in the face and walk/lock out…

Put The “BillBoards” Back Up Across This Nation We Need To Start Fighting NOW!!!!/_

“BillBoards” should advertise a “Million Man March” of the fans in our team colors showing solidarity against any plans the NFL-n-NFLPA may have of disrupting our sport…Stating that we will totally boycott any and all replacement teams and continue such actions against the NFL even after the teams retake the field if our season is disrupted…

Pre-Posting of the warning via the Web now to unify the fans and get that message out to the networks/advertisers who pay the bills off our backs…